Member Article

Housebuilder celebrates Doncaster bricklaying apprentice for National Apprenticeship Week 

This National Apprenticeship Week, 8 to 14 February, a local housebuilder is shining a light on one of its apprentices in a bid to encourage others to consider a career in the construction industry. Cliff Miree, 30, originally joined Barratt Developments Yorkshire East as a labourer and changed career paths through the help of its apprenticeship programme.

Cliff, from Thurcroft, Rotherham, joined Barratt Developments Yorkshire East as a labourer in 2014 and, after six years of dedication and hard work, decided to take his career in a new direction following the birth of his first child.

Cliff was encouraged to apply for a place on the housebuilder’s apprenticeship programme and is now undertaking the Bricklaying Standards course, whilst working on site at local Torne Farm development in Rossington, Doncaster, with the aim of becoming a fully qualified bricklayer for Barratt Developments.

In addition to the change brought about by his new career direction, Cliff also faced starting his apprenticeship amidst the disruption of the pandemic. Thanks to continuous support from Barratt Developments Yorkshire East on and off site, however, Cliff was reassured by a comprehensive set of safety precautions on site, as well as the company’s encouragement for flexible working around his family commitments. 

On his apprenticeship journey so far, Cliff said: “When my family started to grow, I knew it was time to have a serious think about a change in career. I already enjoyed working for Barratt Developments, and the opportunity to better myself through the apprenticeship programme arose. Although we’re in a pandemic and this can be slightly daunting for anyone changing jobs, there were no issues. I enjoy knowing that I’m working towards a better future for me and my family - I’ve been loving this apprenticeship since day one and I can’t wait for the future. “I’m determined to progress in my career and I’m really lucky to have such a fantastic team around me to offer support and to help me continue to develop. Barratt Developments is a brilliant company to work for and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.” 

Barratt Developments’ apprenticeships programme offers a variety of opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds to build a career with Britain’s largest housebuilder. Whether individuals are multiple accommodating programmes, whether you’re just leaving school or college, are looking for a new challenge or you’ve already started working towards a career in house building, they can find a programme to suit their career ambitions in you can explore your potential in the construction, commercial or technical side of the industry. 

Daniel Smith, Managing Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East added: “We are incredibly proud of our apprentices, especially Cliff’s dedication and devotion to providing a better life for his family with the help and support of our apprenticeship programme. We always look forward to new apprentices and are looking to recruit another eight apprentices this year. It’s fantastic seeing their careers develop over time, and Cliff is a great example of this and what opportunities are available to apprentices on our scheme.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .